DeWine, Portman Say No Military Help Needed During Protests

Ohio’s governor and U.S. senator say the military shouldn’t be sent into their state. Both Gov. Mike DeWine and Sen. Rob Portman say it should be up to mayors and state leaders to decide what's needed to restore order.

The Ohio National Guard was activated Saturday to assist with protests in Columbus and Cleveland.

"I would want to see us continue to rely on local law enforcement and those who are trained to deal with these kinds of situations, you know, our Ohio National Guard," Portman said Wednesday.

Portman said he can’t speak for what type of action might be needed in other states, but says now is the time for calm and for dialogue.

President Donald Trump has vowed to send the military into states to quell protests if state authorities don’t restore order.

"If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them," Trump said Monday.

Protests have swelled nationwide over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a police officer used a knee to pin him by the neck until he stopped moving.

DeWine said he thinks cities have done a good job so far handling the protests.